Ruby Ashbourne Serkis is not particularly interested in routine. The actor and singer, who was born and raised in London, prefers to take the city day-by-day – whether it’s a swim in the Hampstead Ladies’ Pond, a late-night film at the Prince Charles cinema, or dumplings in Chinatown.
Recently seen in Apple TV’s Star City and the Peaky Blinders film The Immortal Man, Ashbourne Serkis says one of her favourite things about working in London is that no two days look the same.
“I have zero sense of routine,” she says. “But one of my favourite things about my work and being in London is that each day offers something entirely new, with the city’s culture being so rich and varied.”
Right now, London audiences can catch her alongside Ralph Fiennes and Miranda Raison in the David Hare play Grace Pervades.
We asked Ashbourne Serkis where she eats, drinks, shops and escapes to when she needs a break from the city.
Hi Ruby. What’s your favourite theatre in London?
Hampstead Theatre. It’s a wonderful space to play in: just the right size for it to feel intimate but can still pack a decent crowd. The people who run it are just a lovely, hard-working bunch who care about keeping theatre alive, and are constantly creating opportunities for new writers and giving wider access to shows with cheaper tickets.
Which London neighbourhood do most enjoy spending time in?
It varies. I’m in no way a creature of habit, but I do spend a lot of time around Hampstead Heath, or anywhere green really.
I’ve also been spending an increasing amount of time around Ladbroke Grove, Golborne Road and Portobello Road. There’s a strong and persisting sense of community around there – which can sometimes be hard to find in London – and a thriving culture which culminates in Notting Hill Carnival every year.
Do you have a favourite London spot that was featured in a film?
The steps of St Paul’s Cathedral, where Jane Darwell feeds the birds as Julie Andrews sings Feed the Birds in Mary Poppins.
What’s an essential play, TV show, song, book or film that captures London?
Oliver!. I can’t walk through a pretty square with white houses without wanting to burst into song.
What’s your favourite London restaurant?
Jai Krishna on Stroud Green Road. It serves delicious fresh, veggie, home-cooked Indian food, and it’s BYOB. My dream order is the masala dosa, followed by their delicious special thali, so I can have a bit of everything.
Where do most enjoy for a drink?
The Faltering Fullback in Finsbury Park. I love their beer garden.
If you want to impress someone, where in London do you take them?
Columbia Road Flower Market, where there’s beauty all around. The air is filled with floral, earthy scents and it feels a bit like stepping back in time.
Where do you shop?
I love going to markets, rifling through miscellaneous things and vintage clothes. The Golborne Road end of Portobello Road often has some great bits on market days.
I’m also excited to check out this new shop in Stoke Newington, Hilda, that was recommended by a friend. It looks like it sells a cool mix of vintage and modern independent designers.
What does your perfect London day look like?
My perfect day in London would start with a swim in the Ladies’ Pond on the Heath before cycling over to Columbia Road for a mooch among the flowers and some yummy food.
Then I’d head across town and go to a gallery or museum like the V&A, and in the evening go to see a play, or some live music, or a film at the Prince Charles cinema, and have dumplings in Chinatown.
Where do you head when you need a break from London?
Anywhere with green rolling hills. I spend a lot of time in the beautiful Hambleden Valley, where the walks never get old.
